"When did Mr. Fane become a partner?"
"Three years ago, when he married my sister Julia!"
"Did Mr. Fane bring any money into the business?" asked Derrick; then seeing Laura's look of surprise, he continued apologetically, "Excuse me, Miss Mason, but I must know everything."
"I believe Mr. Fane brought very little money into the business. It was my sister Julia who had the money, and she paid sufficient to my brother to buy Walter a share. But I have no right to tell you these things," said Laura, flushing. "If you wish to know anything further you must ask Mr. Fane himself."
"I intend to. Will you give me his address?"
"Ocean View, Wandle Road, Westcliff-on-Sea."
Derrick noted this in his book. "I'll send a wire to him," he said, "as the inquest takes place to-morrow and we must have him present. By the way, do you know a young man with a pointed beard and slim figure? Is he a visitor at this house?"
"Not that I know of," said Miss Mason promptly. "I know no one of that type--with a pointed beard, I mean."
"Yet such a young man came out of the house, and held the policeman in talk while his accomplice murdered this woman."
"Were there two men, then?"